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An insider’s guide to Liverpool

Guest Blogger

If there’s one thing that scousers are famous for, it’s knowing how to have a laugh and Scarlet from Scarlet Wonderland certainly does. Her inside scoop of Liverpool will get you raring to explore the world-class bars, restaurants and attractions that the quirky Northern gem has to offer.

Liverpool for couples

Just as the infamous Liver Birds that stand atop the Liver Building are said to be an inseparable pair, (with local legend saying that the female looks out to sea to keep the sailors safe and the male looks inland to see if the pubs are open) Liverpool is the perfect place to visit as a couple.

Enjoy stunning views of the Pier Head and the River Mersey with afternoon tea and cocktails at the Panoramic 34, or, for a lower cost option that’s still romantic, plan a city-centre picnic inside the historic Bombed Out Church.

As the evening draws in, watch the sunset over the River Mersey with an Asian fusion dinner at Matou followed by a moonlight walk through the beautiful Albert Dock. Or enjoy a taste of the famous scouse nightlife by uncovering some of Liverpool’s secret bars such as Berry & Rye; a prohibition era themed bar that you can only gain access to by knocking on a hidden door of a blacked out shop. Though it might not look like much from the outside, once you step inside you’ll be transported to a 1920’s inspired, whiskey lover’s paradise!

Liverpool for families

With a huge variety of activities that kids will love, Liverpool certainly isn’t just for couples!

Liverpool boasts a huge array of museums, art galleries and dedicated learning stations, but none is quite as exciting for young children as The World Museum. With everything from Egyptian mummies to dinosaur bones, and live colonies of insects to the Planetarium you will definitely need to set aside a few hours to enjoy yourselves thoroughly.

For panoramic views of the city's most famous landmarks, head to The Echo Wheel of Liverpool. Or, if you have any little Reds or Blues in your midst, a stadium tour of Goodison Park or Anfield is the perfect choice for football fans.

Finally, take a sunset cruise on the renowned Mersey Ferry, and take some memorable pictures against the stunning Liverpool skyline.

Liverpool for dog lovers

Contrary to popular belief, the hardest part of being a dog owner isn’t cleaning up after them, but rather the guilt that comes with leaving them home alone. Luckily, Virgin Trains allows dogs onboard, so you and your best friend can enjoy all of the dog-friendly pubs, picturesque walks and hotels that Liverpool has to offer.

Renowned for their amazing steins and brines, Salt Dog Slim’s on Seel Street is the perfect place to chill with a hotdog and your REAL dog, whilst Liverpool’s first street food haven; The Baltic Market at Cains Brewery is a great place to eat, drink and be merry while your best buddy laps up the attention (and possibly some under-the-table nibbles) from people coming and going! Just be aware that The Baltic Market is often a hub for big groups, so keep your four-legged-friend close by so no little tails get stepped on.

During the day-time, take advantage of some of Liverpool’s beautiful scenery by taking a walk right the way along Otterspool Prom to the stunning Sefton Park where you and your dog can take a much-needed rest and enjoy some ice-cream by the lake. Or, if you’d like to add a slice of culture to your dog-walk, head to Crosby Beach to see Sir Anthony Gormley’s, ‘Another Place’. Known locally as ‘The Iron Men’ this spectacular art installation consists of 100 cast-iron, life-size figures stretching the length of the beach and almost one kilometre out to sea.

Finally, after walking your legs off put your feet up in one of Liverpool’s many dog-friendly hotels. Aloft on North John Street runs a pet-friendly programme which includes a specially branded Aloft bed and bowl, plus tasty doggy treats for your furry friend to enjoy free of charge. Paw-fect!

Liverpool for adrenaline junkies

Last, but certainly not least, Liverpool has a huge selection of things to do for adrenaline junkies too. Enjoy some casual rock climbing on Otterspool Prom, try your hand at wakeboarding at Liverpool Wake Park or, for the really brave, see how long you last during the zombie survival games at Newsham Park.

If you’re travelling to Liverpool during the summer months, make sure you try your luck on the Adventure Dock; an inflatable obstacle course floating adjacent to the iconic Albert Dock on Liverpool’s famous waterfront. Or, if you’re visiting throughout October, get ready to be scared senseless at Farmaggedon; Liverpool’s most famous seasonal haunted farm!

With so many things to see and do, Liverpool is a city that you can visit again and again. But, whatever you decided to do during your trip, just make sure you have fun - that is the scouse way, after all!